Finding Self Identity

In the book, Lost in Place, there is a theme of finding self identity. Starting in the beginning of the book, Mark goes through a series of events where I feel as if he is finding his identity. First he thinks that he is meant to be a Zen monk and he wants to become a kung fu master who travels the world. After sometime he realizes that he really isn't meant to be those. Slowly he learns about Chinese literature and he begins to love it. He starts to meet friends and those friends help him learn who he is and who he wants to be. He begins to drink and smoke and he thinks that nature is his teacher. He eventually abandons kung fu and his dreams of being a Zen monk. He realizes that he is really passionate about learning and discovering new things. He starts doing really well in school and from all of his hard work and dedication, he gets accepted to Yale. He wasn't quite sure how he got in but it makes perfect sense to me. He came off as someone who has the ability to put their mind to something, and can accomplish it, regardless of any obstacles.

Mark, to me, is a sort of inspiration. I have so many things in common with what he has written and it has made me wonder, if I gave up snowboarding, just as he gave up kung fu, to pursue film. I lost the privilege of having the mountains in my backyard and once I lost that, I was introduced to film. My aunt bought me a flip video camera when I was becoming a freshman in high school and from that point on I loved filming everything. My parents and others said that I had an “eye” for things and from them telling me that it only gave me the motivation to pursue it as a career. I’m glad I made that chose to purse film, because ever since that moment I have loved filming and I have gotten jobs and opportunities that I never imagined I would have gotten. Maybe it is what I’m meant to do and I will hopefully be as successful as him. Everyone goes through a period in their life wondering who they are or what they are supposed to be. The only way to answer those frequently asked question is to wait. Time is always the key to finding self identity and if you are patient, you will find your true calling. Whether it be you becoming a doctor, lawyer, artist, or even a garbage man, you will be happy with your life and do the things that you have always wanted to do.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO I MADE ABOUT FINDING SELF IDENTITY